2014 lexus gs350 Model Overview

Overall Rating:

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4 of 5

New for 2014

The 2014 Lexus GS adds a new eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-drive GS 350s, replacing the six-speed unit from the previous year. Full-color display has been added to the head-up display, the optional Blind Spot Monitor adds Rear Cross Traffic Alert and power-folding side mirrors, and a power trunk opener is now available.

Vehicle Summary

The 2014 Lexus GS is a midsize luxury sports sedan sold with a conventional V-6 gas engine or a hybrid powertrain in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. F Sport variants provide the best driving dynamics through performance-tuned chassis, steering, and adaptive variable damping system.

Overview

The 2014 GS line is available with a gas-powered 3.5-liter V-6 producing 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque in the GS 350 or a 3.5-liter hybrid V-6 with a total system output of 338 hp in the GS 450h. The gas V-6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic in rear-drive models or a six-speed automatic in all-wheel-drive variants, and the hybrid is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is decent in the GS 350 at an EPA-rated 19/29 mpg city/highway for rear-drive models, and opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers down tow 19/26 mpg. The GS 450h is the most efficient at an impressive 29/34 mpg.

Handling is a 2014 GS strong suit with well-controlled body motions and a composed but comfortable ride. F Sport variants in particular “felt firm, planted, and crisper than the base 350,” making it “the most agile GS,” especially in Sport Plus mode where the powertrain, suspension, and steering are at their most aggressive setting. While ride quality does suffer slightly, it doesn’t outweigh the gains in driving dynamics, which keeps it a viable daily driver. Even though it’s not the fastest in its class, the GS 350 provides an excellent balance of power and handling that “really clicks when the asphalt bends” with “precise turn-ins.”

Interior space is limited to four adults in the 2014 GS due to a large central tunnel that makes the center position suitable only for children. Tech features are plentiful, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display with a split-screen feature and excellent graphics, an 835-watt Mark Levinson audio system, and a head-up display. Build quality is notable with a dash “trimmed in richer wood, aluminum, leather, and soft-touch plastics,” making it “Lexus’ most appealing and advanced interior to date.”

The 2014 Lexus GS has not been crash tested by the NHTSA and earned a good score on the four categories that the IIHS has tested it in (good is the highest possible score).

What We Think

The 2014 Lexus GS continues to impress after its 2013 model year redesign with exceptional handling, plush interior, and an available hybrid model that combines good driving dynamics with excellent fuel economy. In a First Test of a 2013 model, we said that “the GS’ handling game has been elevated” with its performance-oriented chassis tuning, which is especially apparent in F Sport models and their more aggressive setup. The hybrid model equally impresses because of its balance of handling, fuel efficiency, and power, making it “quite un-Lexus-like” in terms of performance. During a 2012 Comparison Test, we praised the GS’ excellent handling with its “sweet turn-ins” and improved drivability with its Dynamic Rear Steering keeping the car stable and planted.

Build quality remains top-notch, especially inside the cabin, with its high-quality materials that befit the GS’ position as a midsize luxury sports sedan. However, in a 2013 First Test, we said that the car’s large central hump “effectively makes it a four-seater, unless your fifth passenger is Yoda-sized.” Additionally, while the trunk is larger at 14.3 cubic feet, the rear suspension setup limits cargo space, especially for larger items.

Rating

2014 Lexus GS350 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$47,700

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$35,875

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Seating, 5

Driver Seat Includes Memory Recline, Memory Reach, Memory Height Adjust, Power Lumbar and Memory Tilt Adjust; Passenger Seat Includes Power Recline, Power Reach, Power Height Adjustment, Power Lumbar and Power Tilt

2014 Lexus GS350 News and Reviews

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